As soon as Gustavus perceived that Nuremberg was the point towards
which Wallenstein was moving, he hastened at once from Munich to
the assistance of the threatened city. The forces at his disposal
had been weakened by the despatch of Marshal Horn to the Lower
Palatinate, and by the garrisons left in the Bavarian cities,
and he had but 17,000 men disposable to meet the 60,000 with whom
Wallenstein was advancing. He did not hesitate, however, but sent
off messengers at once to direct the corps in Swabia under General
Banner, Prince William of Weimar, and General Ruthven, to join him,
if possible, before Nuremberg.
Marching with all haste he arrived at Nuremberg before Wallenstein
reached it, and prepared at once for the defence of the city.
He first called together the principal citizens of Nuremberg and
explained to them his position. He showed them that were he to fall
back with his army he should be able to effect a junction with the
troops under his generals, and would ere long be in a position to
offer battle to Wallenstein upon more equal terms, but that were
he to do so he would be forced to abandon the city to the vengeance
of the Imperialists. He told them that did he remain before the
city he must to a great extent be dependent upon them for food and
supplies, as he would be beleaguered by Wallenstein, and should be
unable to draw food and forage from the surrounding country; he
could therefore only maintain himself by the aid of the cordial
goodwill and assistance of the citizens.
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